A/N: Another short piece inspired in part by "A Few Bad Men" and "Berserker." Just a little something for when Robbie first joins the show. Hope you enjoy!

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ground Rules

It was standard practice for any new member of Mary Hill CID to be briefed, via the station gossip, as to the basic ground rules.

It was no different for DI Robbie Ross.

For the most part they were pretty similar to those he'd heard before: how people liked their coffee; who used which cup; who should never make your coffee; who was friendly and who was not.

Of course there were surprises.

He found that although Jardine ran a tight ship he was also willing to let some things slide. He was also more tolerant of divergent personalities than he had been given credit for. And the loyalty amongst his team was legendary.

What did surprise Robbie, however, was the number of people who warned him that the most important maxim to live by whilst under Jardine's command was "hands off Jackie Reid."

At first Robbie thought it was some kind of joke, designed to catch him out. But then he'd seen the pair in action. They were so in tune it was almost creepy.

Robbie had only been there a week and all ready he had grasped that this last rule was no joke.

Jackie Reid was strictly off limits.

In spite of this, Robbie couldn't help the occasional light hearted flirtatious banter with her, just to get the inevitable rise out of Jardine.

He smiled to himself as he was once again successful in provoking Jardine.

He was going to like it here.